Improvements To Drinking Water Quality In Rural County Limerick

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., today officially marked the completion of the project at a ceremony held in the Heritage Centre at Lough Gur. The €6 million project included a comprehensive programme of works on 18 privately sourced group water supply schemes across the county.

The Lough Gur Group Water Scheme is the biggest scheme involved in the DBO project serving a total of 555 domestic houses, 120 farms and 61 other properties, including land and commercial/amenity activities.

The 17 other group schemes which have benefited from the project include: Baggottstown, Ballinvreena, Ballybricken, Ballyduff, Ballyorgan, Bulgaden, Newtown/Caherline, Cappagh, Carnane, Coshma/Killeen, Croagh/Farrendonnelly, Glenroe, Glenstal, Granagh, Griston, Kileedy and Kilfinny.

"The completion of this DBO project ensures that County Limerick remains to the fore in the national drive to eliminate sub-standard rural water supplies", stated Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.

He explained, "As far back as 1998, the EPA highlighted difficulties with the quality of privately owned group water schemes across the country. Since then considerable time and resources has been targeted at remedying deficiencies in the group water schemes."

Commenting on the contribution of Group Water Scheme personnel, the Cathaoirleach said, "The headway made in dealing with substandard water supplies has only been possible through their hard work, dedication and spirit of partnership. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of group scheme activists across County Limerick who, for many years, have worked tirelessly for the betterment of their neighbours and communities."

According to Mr. Paul Crowe, Director, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, "I am delighted to see that the implementation of the rural water programme in Limerick has been successful thanks to the vibrant partnership approach between the group sector and the local authority working together to achieve a common objective."

"I wish to congratulate everybody involved in the delivery of this project for their steadfast commitment, the eighteen groups involved, the DBO Steering Group, Staff of the Rural Water Programme with Limerick County Council, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and consultants T.J. O’Connor & Partners", concluded Mr. Crowe.

The contract for the construction and long-term operation of water abstraction and treatment facilities was awarded to Electrical & Pump Services Ltd. (EPS) Mallow, Co. Cork.

Works carried out included the provision of treatment plants, kiosks, refurbishment of existing pump houses, construction of concrete tanks, drilling of new source boreholes, and all associated site works and landscaping.

Along with the main DBO works of abstraction and treatment facilities construction by EPS, enabling works were carried out on a number of schemes for water conservation purposes. The works involved the refurbishment of critical sections of defective watermains on networks together with the installation of Universal Metering of connections to ensure that customers are vigilant in their water usage. A number of new concrete reservoirs are currently being built on three schemes.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- A high-resolution image of today’s official opening ceremony is available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)